Human Geography – 1 Unit – Grade 9

College Preparatory, Honors prerequisite:  None

Geography allows students to gain understanding of the spatial dimension [where things are located and why they are there] as well as the ecological dimension [how humans interact with the environment]. This course is designed to provide students a wide variety of geographical concepts to include current trends in human geography, map skills, and topography and how it affects human and economic behaviors. Students will stay informed of world events and how they affect our interdependent world.  Field trips and experiential learning experiences may be included.  [CP: 330700CW; H: 330700HW]

American Government - ½ Unit - Health or Drivers Education ½ Unit - Grade 10

College Preparatory Prerequisite:  None

Honors Prerequisite:  English 2 Honors or CP in Grade 9 or currently enrolled in English Honors

Corequisite:  Students must enroll in a health class or Drivers Education to pair with the American Government course in the same semester.  Students who have completed their health requirement and do not wish to take Drivers Education should speak with their counselor about other options.

This course is designed to give the student an understanding of how our democracy works and how it compares to other governments of the world. The federal, state, and local branches of government are studied in detail. The goal is to produce an informed and politically effective citizen.   [CP: 333000CH; H: 333000HH]

US History – 1 Unit – Grade 11

College Preparatory Prerequisite:  American Government CP

Honors Prerequisite:  American Government Honors

This course covers the periods of American history from colonial days to the present with emphasis on the 19th and 20th centuries. Social, cultural as well as political economic developments, trends, and issues are included. Students use writing and researching skills to analyze primary sources such as political speeches, political cartoons and other documents to interpret their historical impact on the time period. Particular focus is on the United States Constitution. Students must take the South Carolina End-of-Course Exam following the completion of US History which is 20% of the final course average. [CP US History: 332000CW;  H US History: 332001HW]

Economics - 1 Unit - Grade 12

College Preparatory Prerequisite:  None

Honors Prerequisite:  US History H

This course gives students an opportunity to study the American free-enterprise economic system and compare it to other systems in the world. It helps students relate to the real world economy as laborers, employers, consumers, taxpayers, and voters. During the last part of the semester, emphasis is on the personal finance issues faced by all citizens – credit, banking, saving, investing, and taxes. Students will become more aware of making choices, the costs of those choices, and the various possible repercussions of the decisions made daily in the economy. Requirements include out of class projects.  [CP: 335009CW; H: 335009HW]

Current Events – ½ Unit and Law Education - ½ Unit – Grades 9 – 12

College Preparatory Prerequisite: None

Current Events is a 9 weeks Social Studies elective course structured to give the student an understanding of current issues in many areas of a political, social, and economic nature. The course will emphasize historical causes and perspectives, discussions, and additional research done by the student. The topics chosen are very fluid in their nature, meaning that the topics and the amount of coverage on the topics will fluctuate on any given day, week, or month depending on topics current in the media. 

Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:

• show a greater understanding of political, social, and economic issues that dominate the news

• conduct research on current event topics using reliable websites and other sources  [333700CH]

Law Education:  This course provides practical information and problem-solving opportunities that help students develop the knowledge and skills necessary for survival in our society. Both federal and state governments have topics discussed. Among these topics are the rationales, components, and history of the laws that govern our society. Case studies, mock trials, role-plays, small group exercises, and visual analysis activities encourage active participation by students. The goal of the course is to promote in students a willingness and capability to participate effectively in the legal and political systems. [CP: 333600CH]

Psychology - 1 Unit - Grades 10 - 12

College Preparatory Prerequisite:  None

This course exposes students to developmental psychology from conception to death, personality and learning theory, states of consciousness, and abnormal psychology  [CP:  334000CW]

Modern and World History – 1 Unit - Grade 10

Honors Prerequisite: None

This course will expose students to the major civilizations of the past and their contributions to the world as it exists today. World History focuses on the geographic, social, and political aspects of each civilization. The study of human culture emphasizes why and where civilizations developed, how they declined, and how they influenced the world as we know it today.   Course requirements will include independent and collaborative studies, oral presentations, technology-based activities, writing, and service learning. This course provides a foundation for American Government and US History. [H: 330600HW]

Advanced Placement Human Geography – 2 Units – Grade 9

Prerequisite:  Qualifying students will be selected for enrollment prior to the end of the school year.

This course is designed to give students an introductory level understanding of the comprehensive study of geography.   Specifically, this course delves into patterns and processes that have shaped human understanding, use, and modifications of the world as we know it.   The following topics will be covered in the course: Geography’s nature and perspectives, population, cultural patterns and processes, political organization of space, agricultural and rural land use, industrialization and economic development, and cities and urban land use. This course is very rigorous and requires a student to be hard working, independent, a good steward of time, and mature. Students will be required to take the AP examination following the completion of this course in order to receive college credit. [AP: 337900AW; Prep: 336979HW]

Advanced Placement US Government and Politics - 1 Unit - Grade 10

Prerequisite: Minimum grade of 90% in previous Honors Social Studies course or prior completion of an AP Course AND completed or currently enrolled in Honors English course

AP U.S. Government and Politics is a college-level course that not only seeks to prepare students for success on the AP Exam in May, but also provide students with the political knowledge and reasoning processes to participate meaningfully and thoughtfully in discussions and debates that are currently shaping American politics and society. It is important to note that this course is not a history course; it is a political science course that studies the interconnectedness of the different parts of the American political system and the behaviors and attitudes that shape this system and are the byproduct of this system. [AP: 337300AW]

Advanced Placement US History/Dual Enrollment History 111 and 112 - Grades 11

2 Units High School Credit: 1 Unit AP Credit and 1 Unit of Dual Credit (6 Credit Hours College Level)

Prerequisite:   Minimum grade of 90% in previous Honors Social Studies course or prior completion of an AP Course AND completed or currently enrolled in Honors English course, and meet college requirements (3.0  GPA)

This course covers the periods of American history from colonial days to the present with emphasis on the 19th and 20th centuries. Social, cultural, as well as, political and economic developments, trends, and issues are included.  The course is reading and research based, which requires considerable amounts of time to study both inside and outside the classroom. Outside reading and attendance in day-to-day seminars are integral parts of this course and are needed to prepare for the College Board AP Exam.  Students must take the South Carolina End-of-Course Exam following the completion of US History which is 20% of the final course average as well as the AP History exam.  Students receive credit through USC upon successful completion of the first semester of the course.  Students take the Advanced Placement US History Exam in May and may receive college credit at additional colleges and universities, depending on the AP Exam score and on each college's policy.  Summer work is also required.  Application is required.  Dual Credit courses are subject to acceptance from the accredited college; tuition and cost of books are the responsibility of the student.  Note:  Transcripts will denote ½ unit of Dual Credit in each USC course; US History HIS 111 and 112, and 1 unit of AP US History credit.]  [AP: 337210AW; DC 111: 332100EH; DC 112: 332200EH]

Advanced Placement European History – Grades 11-12

2 Units High School Credit: 1 Unit AP Credit and 1 Unit of Honors Credit

Prerequisite:   Minimum grade of 90% in previous Honors US History course or 70% in AP US History

In AP European History, students investigate significant events, individuals, developments, and processes from approximately 1450 to the present. Students develop and use the same skills, practices, and methods employed by historians: analyzing primary and secondary sources; developing historical arguments; making historical connections; and utilizing reasoning about comparison, causation, and continuity and change over time. The course also provides seven themes that students explore throughout the course in order to make connections among historical developments in different times and places: interaction of Europe and the world, economic and commercial development, cultural and intellectual development, states and other institutions of power, social organization and development, national and European identity, and technological and scientific innovations.

[Honors:  336973HW; AP:  337600AW]

Advanced Placement Psychology - 1 Unit Credit - Grades 11 - 12

Prerequisite:   Minimum grade of 90% in previous Honors Social Studies course or prior completion of an AP Course AND completed or currently enrolled in Honors English course, and meet college requirements (3.0  GPA)

Psychology is the study of human and animal thought processes and behavior.  This is an exciting and interesting subject in which we will look into many aspects of human behavior from the biology of the brain and body to maladaptive behavior.  This course emphasizes real life applications of behavioral knowledge to give you a better understanding of the world.  This is a positive and active class where class participation and involvement is expected of every student and team building is developed to encourage necessary study skills needed in college and in the workplace.  This is a college level course and you will be expected to do the work of a college level student in preparation for taking the Advanced Placement exam.  [AP:  437100AW]

AP Microeconomics - 1 Unit - Grades 11 - 12

Prerequisite:   Minimum grade of 90% in previous Honors Social Studies course or prior completion of an AP Course AND completed or currently enrolled in Honors Math course, and meet college requirements (3.0  GPA)

AP Microeconomics is an introductory college-level microeconomics course. Students cultivate their understanding of the principles that apply to the functions of individual economic decision-makers by using principles and models to describe economic situations and predict and explain outcomes with graphs, charts, and data as they explore concepts like scarcity and markets; costs, benefits, and marginal analysis; production choices and behavior; and market inefficiency and public policy.  [337500AW]

Dual Enrollment History 111 and 112 - ½ Unit each - Grades 11-12

1 Unit Total High School Dual Enrollment Credit, (6 Credit Hours College Level)

Prerequisite:   Minimum grade of 90% in previous Honors Social Studies course or prior completion of an AP Course AND completed or currently enrolled in Honors English course, and meet college requirements (3.0  GPA)

This course covers the periods of American history from colonial days to the present with emphasis on the 19th and 20th centuries. Social, cultural, as well as, political and economic developments, trends, and issues are included.  The course is reading and research based, which requires considerable amounts of time to study both inside and outside the classroom. Outside reading and attendance in day-to-day seminars are integral parts of this course an are needed to prepare for the EOC final exam.  Students must take the South Carolina End-of-Course Exam following the completion of US History which is 20% of the final course.  Students receive credit through USC upon successful completion of the first semester of the course.   Application is required.  Dual Credit courses are subject to acceptance from the accredited college; tuition and cost of books are the responsibility of the student.  Note:  Transcripts will denote ½ unit of Dual Credit in each USC course; US History HIS 111 and 112 credit.]  [ DC 111: 332100EH; DC 112: 332200EH]

Dual Enrollment Sociology (SOCY 101) – 1 Unit  - 3 Credit Hours College Level – Grade 12- Virtual Only

Prerequisite: GPA greater or equal to 3.0; English 4

An introduction to sociological facts and principles: an analysis of group-making processes and products.  Dual Credit courses are subject to acceptance from the accredited college; tuition and cost of books are the responsibility of the student.  Application is required.  Lottery Tuition may be available; speak with your counselor. [334700EW]

Dual Enrollment European-Western Civilization (HIS 101)  - 1 Unit - Grades 11 - 12     

Prerequisite:  GPA greater or equal to 3.0; US History H

The rise and development of European civilization from its Mediterranean origins through the Renaissance and Reformation.  Dual Credit courses are subject to acceptance from the accredited college; tuition and cost of books are the responsibility of the student.  Application is required.  Lottery Tuition may be available; speak with your counselor.  [336600EW]

Dual Enrollment Foundations of Leadership (PCAM 205) - 1 Unit - Grades 11 - 12 - Virtual Only

Prerequisite:  GPA greater or equal to 3.0; Counselor Approval

This course combines leadership theory with practical application, equipping students with the knowledge and skills needed to work more effectively with people, become better leaders, and reach their professional goals..  Dual Credit courses are subject to acceptance from the accredited college; tuition and cost of books are the responsibility of the student.  Application is required.  Lottery Tuition may be available; speak with your counselor.  [87510VEW]

Medal of Honor (½ Credit) & Holocaust (½ Credit)

Grades 10 - 12

Prerequisite:  None

Medal of Honor:  This class provides an introduction to the study of the history of United States military conflicts during the modern era  = ( WWI – Present day).  In addition to a brief background of the history of each major military conflict, character education associated with the character traits demonstrated by recipients of the United States Congressional Medal of Honor would be highlighted, exemplified, and developed.  [339919CH]

For More Information: Course Poster and Course Video

Holocaust:  (Pairs with Medal of Honor)

This course will look at what the results are when prejudice and discrimination are allowed to flourish, and individuals and governments fail to take a stand against these injustices.  Topics of study include how the desperate conditions of Germany after WWI led the educated and technologically advanced German people to look for answers to their problems from radical individuals like Adolph Hitler, how the Holocaust began in Germany prior to WWI and then progressed to industrial murder of a group of people who were only guilty of being a minority.  The main agents who carried out the horrific acts of genocide, the collaborators who aided them, and the rescuers who tried desperately to prevent the mass murders and persecutions in Germany and the lands conquered by the Nazis will be explained along with the background and culture of their victims - the Jewish people.  Students will recognize the ease with which human and civil rights were denied, and understand the ramifications of stereotyping, prejudice, discrimination, and scapegoating.  Ultimately, students will define their roles as responsible citizens in the world and be able to carry out the task for future generations of “NEVER FORGET”.   [339972CH]